Better Spaces, Better Care: How ABC Is Upgrading Its 400+ ABA Therapy Centers

When your autistic child walks into an ABC center, the space around them affects how they learn, how they engage, and how comfortable they feel during applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. That's why we launched the 2026 ABC Design Standard, a comprehensive set of center upgrades rolling out across our 400+ locations nationwide.

Why ABC is upgrading their ABA therapy centers

Before developing the standard, our team toured centers across the ABC network and sat down with teammates to understand what was working and what could be better. What we heard shaped everything. Families and teammates alike identified opportunities to improve safety, consistency, organization, and hygiene across our ABA therapy locations.

What's changing at your ABA therapy center

• Walls & floors: We're replacing carpet with luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and vinyl flooring, adding vinyl wall protection and cork boards, and refreshing furniture across locations. These upgrades make centers easier to clean, more durable, and more comfortable for autistic children.
• Sensory play spaces: We're expanding gross motor rooms, sensory rooms, station play rooms, crafts and circle time spaces, and outdoor play areas. These environments are where so much of your child's skill-building happens, and we want them to reflect that.
• Storage & organization: Every child and every Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) will have dedicated, clearly labeled storage. When teammates can find what they need quickly, they can stay focused on the children they serve.
• HVAC & plumbing reliability: We're addressing infrastructure needs across centers, with priority given to locations based on failure rates, age, and climate risk. Reliable heating, cooling, and plumbing are basic to a safe, consistent care environment.

How center design affects children diagnosed with autism

"The space where ABA therapy happens matters," said Maria Beard, Senior Vice President of Center Expansion and Real Estate Strategy at ABC. "The way a center looks, feels, and sounds directly influences how autistic children learn and engage. This standard reflects what we've always believed and raises the bar for every family who walks through our doors."

ABA therapy for children 18 months–12 years

ABC serves autistic children from 18 months through age 12 across our 400+ center-based locations. We offer Early Intervention for children up to age 8 and ABC Academy in select regions for school-age children up to age 12. We don't have waitlists, so your child can get started right away.

To learn more or schedule a tour, contact us today.